The Latest: Arguments conclude in Menendez corruption case

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The Latest on a 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals hearing for New Jersey Sen. Bob Menendez (all times local):

4:15 p.m.

Oral arguments have concluded in the corruption case of New Jersey Sen. Bob Menendez.

A three-judge appellate panel will now take the next several weeks to decide whether to dismiss charges against the longtime congressman or uphold a lower court ruling and send the case to trial. The charges include bribery and theft of honest services.

Menendez's attorney argued that meetings Menendez set up with various government officials were held to review policy issues. The government claims they were to help the business interests of Salomon Melgen, a wealthy Florida eye doctor who showered gifts and campaign donations on Menendez.

Both men were indicted last spring.

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3 p.m.

A panel of appeals court judges is grilling New Jersey Sen. Bob Menendez's lawyer during arguments in the corruption case against the longtime lawmaker.

Menendez was charged last year with multiple counts of bribery and honest services fraud after prosecutors said he took gifts and campaign contributions from a Florida eye doctor in exchange for political favors. He has pleaded not guilty.

Menendez argues that meetings he had with government officials were related to policy matters and not intended specifically to help Florida ophthalmologist Salomon Melgen in his business interests.

The senator claims his actions were protected by a constitutional protection against prosecution of members of Congress engaged in legislative acts.

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3 a.m.

A federal appeals court in Philadelphia is scheduled to hear arguments in New Jersey Sen. Bob Menendez's corruption case.

Menendez was charged last year with multiple counts of bribery and honest services fraud after prosecutors say he took gifts and campaign contributions from a Florida eye doctor in exchange for political favors.

Menendez has pleaded not guilty and says he and Salomon Melgen are longtime friends and that he did nothing wrong.

A key issue the judges will weigh on Monday is a Constitutional protection given to House and Senate members when they perform legislative duties.

Menendez says he was engaged in legislative activities when he met with government officials in 2011 and 2012, while prosecutors say he was lobbying on behalf of Melgen's business interests.